[Gary H]

If quality FMJ and lead bullets were the same price, which would you use and why?

[HSMITH]

I would shoot Federal Match 185 grain jacketed semi-wadcutters. The best of both worlds.

[ACP230]

I'd take 230 grain FMJs because they work well in my .45 handguns and my subguns.

[444]

I would take the FMJ.
I shoot a lot of cast bullets. I shoot primarily cast bullets in revolvers. I have shot a lot of cast bullets out of my 1911s.
But, if I got a lifetime supply of free bullets, I would take the FMJs. To me, the performance between the two is pretty much equal. I never had feeding problems with either one. I don't shoot bullseye or any extreme accuracy sports; my guns shoot better than I can and prove more than adequate for my uses. So, I guess the only reason I would take the FMJ is because they are clean and reliable and require less work.

[Kamicosmos]

FMJ, no contest.

[Mal H]

Ditto what 444 said - every single word of his post echos my thoughts on it. Well, every word except for his signature; that would have to be "42" in my case.

Now, when can we expect the first delivery of bullets?

[444]

42 ?

[Gary H]

This is why I ask the question:

Star .45ACP 230gr. FMJ $58 + ship of $23-$24= $81/K shipped

LaserCast 230gr LRN: $77/K shipped

National 230gr LRN: $46 + $23 = $69/K shipped

Penn 230gr LRN: $46 + $23= $69/K shipped

Leadhead 230gr LRN: $44 + $23 = $67/K shipped

I've been using LaserCast. I like their quality and haven't had a major leading problems with moderately loaded Titegroup, but still harder to clean barrel than FMJ and more crimp sensitive than FMJ.

Star 230gr. JHP is only $7 more than FMJ and bulk orders can reduce bullet and shipping costs. Plated bullets don't make much sense in light of the pricing.

[444]

FWIW: You can get 1000 Remington 230 Grain FMJ bullets for $77 plus shipping.
Winchester 230 grain FMJ is $67.35

[Gary H]

So for $4.00 to $14 more than LRN, I can get a reasonable quality FMJ. I have read other post discussing the quality of the Star product and it seems that they produce a decent bullet. Another $9.00 and you get Winchester. Major group buy and you can probably cut those cost. So, short of rolling your own, why use lead?

[444]

One of the main reasons I used to use lead was because I was shooting 155 grain bullets. I used them in IPSC: I worked up a load that made major power factor but seemed to have minimal recoil because of the light bullet.
I also cast my own bullets and this includes 230 grain RN.
Back in the day, I used to shoot all lead in everything. I wasn't making any money and every penny counted. Since then, I have pretty much kept it up. I do load jacketed bullets for super max loads, but still shoot primarily cast just because I always have.
The bottom line is that jacketed bullets cost more than lead. IMO they offer no advantage what so ever. So why should I pay more for them and gain nothing ?

[ACP230]

The last batch of 230 grain FMJs I bought were pulled military bullets. They cost $50 per thousand. Golden West Brass Industries is selling new 230 grain FMJs for $55 per thousand.

GWBI advertises in Shotgun News, as do surplus dealers like Jeff Bartlett who sometimes have pulled 230 grain FMJs.

[Mal H]

444: "42 ?"

Sure, that's the meaning life, the universe and everything. ;)


(It's from "The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Universe".)

[MoNsTeR]

Zero 230gr FMJ's are $69/1k shipped. Less if you buy more. And if you buy a lot, Montana Gold are even cheaper. At these prices, there's no reason to buy lead (though I imagine you can do better).

To answer the original question, I would shoot jacketed. Nothing worse than lube smoke, GAH! :cuss:

Edit: it's 42, not 47 :D

[Mr. Chitlin]

FMJ - I used lead for years shooting IPSC. They are nasty!! I hated handling them, and handling the loaded ammo. Since I started using FMJ's a few years ago, I'll never handload lead bullets again.

[444]

42 or 47, I never read the book either way.

http://www.nyfd.com/9_11_wtc.html

[444]

Or put another way.

[Mal H]

Of course it's "42", how odd that you would think I said "47".

[How'd he do that?!] ;) :D

I/We have hijacked this thread enough, I guess. Back to your regular discussion of FMJ vs lead.

BTW, that's pretty good, 444. I didn't realize what your number meant, but the links certainly give it meaning.

[Gary H]

Best I have found is:

http://www.southernbellebrass.com./match.htm

[JimC]

Winchester 230 gr. FMJ.

[Poodleshooter]

I'd rather have FMJ any day.
However, I wouldn't consider buying bullets and paying shipping for lead. I buy NBC and star brand lead for $36 per k at local shows. FMJ's cost me $60 per k minimum, or 2/3's more.
Unfortunately I just missed Widener's killer deal on Master Match (Star) FMJ's for $40 per k. They were all sold out by the time I called.